Following the launch of iGolf by England Golf in 2021, the programme has exceeded expectations, demonstrating a remarkable success in bridging the gap between independent golfers and club membership.
Over 10,000 iGolf subscribers have now seamlessly transitioned into membership of affiliated golf clubs within less than three years, marking a significant milestone in the quest to encourage participation.
The iGolf initiative, introduced with the vision of encouraging the estimated 2.3 million ‘independent’ golfers in the country to play more, monitor their performance, and foster competitiveness, has proven to be instrumental in creating a pathway to full club membership.
With the average club membership fee sitting at £1,181 and 10,000 subscribers having made the step into club membership, it is estimated that over £11 million in club membership fees has been driven by the initiative, supporting the financial sustainability of golf clubs while enriching the golfing experience for enthusiasts.
According to the latest iGolf Subscriber Survey conducted by England Golf, the impact of iGolf on golfing behaviour is evident. A significant 49% of respondents reported an increase in the amount they play, reflecting the programme’s efficacy in enhancing engagement and participation. Moreover, an encouraging 46% expressed their likelihood to join a club in the future, indicating a positive shift in attitudes towards club membership among iGolf subscribers.
The overwhelming satisfaction with the iGolf programme is also evident, with 81% of current subscribers expressing satisfaction or extreme satisfaction with the initiative. With over 46,000 current subscribers, iGolf continues to serve as a vital platform for golfers who are seeking an alternative to club membership at the present time.
The iGolf subscription package continues to evolve and subscribers can now enjoy a wide array of benefits, including participation in exclusive iGolf events hosted by England Golf, other playing opportunities, and discounts. Click here for information about your local iGolf Open.
Head of iGolf/iPlay Claire Hodgson said: “We’re thrilled to witness the remarkable success of the iGolf initiative and the impact it has had on the golfing community. The transition of over 10,000 iGolf subscribers to club membership underpins the effectiveness of our efforts in promoting inclusivity, fostering engagement, and our desire to support golf clubs across the country.
“We know that the programme caters for a whole host of people who love their golf, but simply aren’t able to get on the course as much as they’d like, while it caters for others who can’t yet justify golf club membership. It really has proved to be the perfect solution for a number of people and hopefully it continues to benefit more in the coming months and years.”
England Golf continues its unwavering commitment to connecting and engaging with the golfing community, with initiatives like iGolf paving the way for even more golfing enthusiasts to experience the joy of having a Handicap Index®.
Through the MyEG app, England Golf has also now widened its offer to even more golfers, to further support inclusivity. iPlay, the latest free service, provides a stepping stone to iGolf, catering for golfers not yet ready for a Handicap Index® through a fun ‘average score indicator’.
For more information about iGolf click here or email info@englandgolf.org For more about iPlay, click here
